There has been a great deal of enthusiasm for renewables within
the farming sector and there are some excellent examples of land
managers capturing the benefits from green energy generation both
for their businesses and their local communities.

I recognise that recent years have been turbulent for the sector
and acknowledge and recognise that there are challenges in front of
us. I believe our goals are within reach and that we have much to
celebrate in what has been achieved by Scottish agriculture in
relation to renewables.

I am grateful for the contribution that the Agri-renewables
Strategy Consultative Group has made to the development of the
Strategy by providing a coordinated voice for the sector. In
particular, I thank those farmers who agreed to their renewables
projects being featured as case studies in the Strategy. These case
studies prove that renewable generation is a realistic, sustainable
and financially viable option into which farm businesses can
invest.

We all have a part to play in building a cleaner, greener
Scotland and this Strategy shows how agri-renewables can contribute
to that aim. The Scottish Government has the most ambitious
renewable energy targets in the world. However, the growth of
agri-renewables is not solely about meeting targets. Renewable
energy sits at the heart of our efforts to increase Scotland's
sustainable economic growth.

I look forward to seeing farmers, crofters and land managers
across Scotland making the most of our natural resources and
helping us transform the way Scotland produces and uses its
energy.

Richard Lochhead
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the
Environment